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BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: Moonrise’s Success at the Tees Business Women’s Awards 2024

Posted on by Admin Moonrise

Moonrise Shines Bright: Winning Business of the Year at the Tees Business Women’s Awards 2024

We are beyond thrilled to announce that Moonrise 24hr Recruitment has been awarded Business of the Year at the Tees Businesswomen Awards 2024!  This recognition is a true testament to our dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence, and we couldn’t be more proud.

A special congratulations goes to our inspiring Managing Director, Jessica Gwaringa, whose leadership and unwavering determination have been the driving force behind our success.

A Night to Remember

Jessica acompanied by various members of the moonrise family attended the Tees Business Women’s Awards 2024. The awards ceremony, held at Hardwick Hall’s Grand Marquee, was a night full of inspiration and celebration, bringing together some of the most powerful and talented women in business from across the region. We were honoured to stand alongside such incredible nominees, including Home Instead Cleveland and Lucy Pittaway Ltd, in a category sponsored by Punch Robson Solicitors.

When Moonrise was announced as the winner, our MD Jessica Gwaringa was speechless stating: “Being among the nominations is an honour in itself, so I wasn’t really expecting to go home with a trophy – but it’s happened! This award isn’t just for me; it’s for the whole Moonrise family. We’ve got a great team behind us, and we’re all working together to deliver our mission.”

Our Journey: Passion and Dedication

This award comes hot on the heels of another significant milestone—the recent celebration of our 10-year anniversary, a perfect reminder of the incredible journey we have been on. From our humble beginnings, when Moonrise was born in the Gwaringa living room, to becoming a nationally recognised healthcare agency, our growth has been nothing short of remarkable.

Over the past decade, we’ve evolved from a small, family-driven start-up into a leading provider of healthcare staff, expanding our reach across the UK. What started with a simple mission to provide high-quality care has blossomed into a company that is not only making an impact in local communities but is also gaining national recognition for its excellence.

A Shared Victory

For us, this award is more than just a trophy; it’s a shared victory that belongs to every member of the Moonrise family. Our culture of teamwork, care, and passion has been the foundation of our success, and this recognition only strengthens our resolve to continue delivering the best care possible to our clients.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to growing stronger together, expanding our services, and continuing to make a positive impact on the communities we serve.

We’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to Tees Business for organising such a spectacular event and for recognising the hard work that goes into building businesses like ours. A special thank you to Dave Allan, Martin Walker, and all the sponsors, including Punch Robson Solicitors and Middlesbrough College Group, for supporting this fantastic initiative.

Here’s to the future! With this award in hand, we are more motivated than ever to keep pushing forward, delivering exceptional care, and making a lasting difference. 🌙

 

 

My life on wheels – A Day in the Life of a Wheelchair User

Posted on by Admin Moonrise

Join us as one of our valued employees, Sarah, shares her personal account of a day in the life of a wheelchair user. With eight years of dedicated service at Moonrise, Sarah is an integral part of our 15-member office team.

 

7am “Dum diddle diddle dum, Grease is the word that you heard……..” It can only mean one thing, my alarm is going off. The eyes open slowly as the brain fog lifts asking “is it *insert day* already?”, as the realisation a new day has dawned!

I grab the side of the mattress and haul myself up into a seating position, then reach across and pull my wheelchair close to the bed, one quick and very ‘athletic’ shimmy later I am firmly planted in the seat! Time to get ready for the day.

I won’t bore you with details of my morning skin care routine! Have to keep that skin healthy people!

After shouting at the teenage daughter to get up for school its time for breakfast! I’ll be honest with you all here, I am one of those naughty people who doesn’t eat breakfast! Yes, I know, three meals a day, breakfast is the most important meal of the day blah blah blah. Breakfast usually consists of a swig of fruit juice to gulp down the morning meds then its straight out the door.

8.30am – Its time for school drop off! I dive in the car, throw the wheelchair into the passenger seat, daughter jumps in the back and we are on our way!

Traffic, traffic, traffic – it must be rush hour!

Once the school run is finished its off to work! I spend the drive in singing loudly in the car to Dolly Parton and hoping it will be a nice and chilled, easy day, then remember, this is Moonrise and we all work hard every day! I jump out of the car and I’m off upstairs into the office for my day.

12.30pm – ah its lunch time, I’m usually hungry by now (I probably should have had breakfast!), 30mins to recharge before heading back to work for the afternoon.

5pm – time to clock out, off I go back down the lift, man handle the wheelchair into the car and I’m off home again. I am lucky most days that the hubby enjoys cooking and always appreciate the amazing smell as I reach the door.

I spend the evening with hubby and daughter before its back up the stairs, evening routine done, and a less than athletic shimmy later and I am back in bed. Day over and time to knock out the Z’s!

OK so the title of this blog was about being a wheelchair but there has been very little mention of a wheelchair. The reason – its really not that big of a thing! A lot of people assume that being in a wheelchair as a negative, for me it is totally the opposite and is one of the biggest positives I have in my life. People use the phrase ‘confined to a wheelchair’. To me my wheelchair does not confine or imprison me, for me it’s the only way that I can have freedom and I often describe it as ‘my shoes’.

Being in a wheelchair since I was ten, I used crutches before this but realised they did restrict what I could do, has opened so many more doors for me. I have seen a lot of changes in the years since then (I won’t say how many, a lady never reveals her age!) both personally and in wider society and had I not made the decision to use a wheelchair all the time I believe I wouldn’t be where I am today – obviously the lift up to the office helps!

Being a wheelchair user has given me a different perspective on life, one from waist height of most people. I see everyday life and the barriers and challenges it presents as a puzzle, there is a solution, I just have to find it, sometimes it’s a ramp, an automatic door, a lift up a set of stairs or even just a lower desk! Its not hard to make the world accessible to all but it certainly seems like some people think it is!

The misconceptions, although less frequent, are still there. I, like a lot of other wheelchair users, am not completely dependent on another person. Unless its to scrape me off the floor after a tipple or two (that’s a story for a different blog!), I have my freedom thanks to my four wheels and it is something that I will fight to keep for the rest of my days both for myself and for others!

 

Preventing Burnout: Essential Tips for Caregivers

Posted on by Admin Moonrise

As a caregiver, you provide invaluable support to those who need it most. At Moonrise, we understand the demands of your role and the deep compassion required to carry out your responsibilities. We also recognise the importance of your well-being. Our values—empathy, respect, integrity, and excellence—guide us in fostering a supportive environment for our caregivers. Here are some tips for preventing burnout while embracing our values at Moonrise.

  1. Prioritise Self-Care

Empathy begins with yourself. To care for others effectively, you must first take care of yourself. Incorporate activities that rejuvenate you, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Even small breaks throughout the day can make a significant difference. Remember, taking care of your own needs allows you to better understand and support the needs of those you care for.

  1. Establish Healthy Boundaries

Our integrity as caregivers involves setting and maintaining boundaries. Recognise your limits and communicate them clearly to your colleagues, clients, and their families. Setting boundaries is not about withholding care; it’s about ensuring you can provide quality care without compromising your health.

  1. Foster Open Communication

At Moonrise, respect is foundational. Encourage open and honest communication with your team. Share your experiences and concerns, and listen actively to others. This collaborative approach not only builds a supportive work environment but also helps identify potential stressors early.

  1. Seek Support

No one can do it alone. Whether it’s talking to a colleague, joining a support group, or seeking professional help, reaching out is a sign of strength. By leaning on your support system, you honor the value of excellence, striving for the best outcomes not only for your clients but for yourself as well.

  1. Reflect and Reconnect

Take time to reflect on your experiences and reconnect with your purpose. What brought you to caregiving? What aspects of your role bring you joy? Reflecting on these questions can reignite your passion and remind you of the positive impact you have on others’ lives.

  1. Continuous Learning

Embrace opportunities for growth and learning. Whether through formal training or informal learning experiences, expanding your knowledge and skills can provide new perspectives and renewed motivation.

  1. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness can be a powerful tool in managing stress and preventing burnout. Being present and fully engaged in the moment can help reduce anxiety and increase your overall well-being.

At Moonrise Care Agency, we are committed to supporting our caregivers in every way possible. By prioritising self-care, establishing boundaries, fostering communication, seeking support, and continuously learning, you can prevent burnout and continue providing the compassionate care that our agency values. Remember, your well-being is as important as the well-being of those you care for. Let’s work together to create a nurturing environment where both caregivers and clients thrive.

 

Celebrating a Decade of Dedication: Moonrise’s 10th Anniversary

Posted on by Admin Moonrise

26th July 2024 Moonrise proudly marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of exceptional care and support services.

Our journey began in 2014 in the Gwaringa’s living room where Jessica’s son, Keith, named our venture “Moonrise,” symbolising a new dawn in care. Starting from a modest office with just two desks, we’ve grown into a nationally recognised agency specialising in domiciliary care, healthcare staffing, children’s services, supported living, and transport.

Our team is dedicated to managing a wide range of mental health conditions, physical disabilities, and behaviours that challenge, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to care. We emphasise fostering positive transitions from youth to adulthood, advocating for independence and a high quality of life for all our clients.

Training and development are at the heart of Moonrise. Our comprehensive programmes ensure our staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide top-quality care, utilising IPBS, CPI techniques, and restrictive practices to ensure client safety and well-being. Our commitment to diversity and maintaining our good reputation remains unwavering.

Our involvement extends beyond care services. Moonrise heavily invests in and sponsors local charities, highlighting our dedication to making a positive impact in the community. This commitment is mirrored in the numerous awards and nominations we’ve received, recognising our excellence, diversity, and leadership in the industry.

Over the years, Moonrise has expanded significantly, from a small team in a corner office to a robust workforce exceeding 200 professionals. Our new home, Moonrise House, reflects our journey and our continued commitment to growth and innovation. We are also excited to introduce new initiatives, including secure transport services, specialised healthcare training programmes, and transitional supported living accommodations for young adults.

As we look to the future, our vision is to become a leading specialist in complex care, renowned nationwide. We aim to embrace sustainability, digital innovation, and community support, fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our expansion plans include entering new regions within the UK and eventually Europe, setting new benchmarks in care excellence.

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we express our deepest gratitude to our incredible staff, supportive community, and all who have been part of the Moonrise family. Your dedication and hard work have been the cornerstone of our success. Here’s to many more years of compassionate service and growth. Happy 10th anniversary, Moonrise!

 

A Memorable Evening at the Daisy Chain Charity Fundraising Event

Posted on by Admin Moonrise

 

 

As an invited guest from Moonrise Recruitment, I had the pleasure of attending the Daisy Chain charity fundraising event at Teesside Airport on Friday, the 5th of July. Daisy Chain, a renowned charity organization, is dedicated to supporting families dealing with autism through day-to-day support, educational programs, and therapeutic activities.

The fundraising event was a crucial initiative to ensure these invaluable services continue to thrive and expand. What truly stood out was the overwhelming sense of community and generosity. Volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the event run smoothly, while attendees opened their hearts and wallets to support the cause. The collective effort highlighted the community’s dedication to making a difference in the lives of families affected by autism.

One of the unique aspects of this event was the creative use of Teesside Airport’s spaces. The Departures area was transformed into the main ballroom, offering a spacious and elegant setting for the evening’s activities. The Arrivals area was ingeniously used as the red carpet ballroom, adding a touch of glamour and exclusivity that has never been done before at the airport. This innovative use of the venue truly enhanced the experience and left a lasting impression on all who attended.

To raise funds, the event featured exciting raffles and a lively auction. Attendees eagerly participated in these activities, contributing generously to support Daisy Chain’s mission. The raffles and auction not only added to the entertainment but also played a significant role in the financial success to Daisy Chain.

We at Moonrise Recruitment are looking forward to collaborating with Daisy Chain and supporting their mission in the future. The success of this event reaffirms our commitment to making a positive impact in our community and supporting the invaluable work that Daisy Chain does for families dealing with autism.

Apprentice to Full Time – how life changes!

Posted on by Admin Moonrise

Hollie has been working for Moonrise 24hr Recruitment since 2022, when she was 16 years old. She started as a Business Admin apprentice, aiming to achieve her Level 3 qualification in Business Administration. A few weeks ago, Hollie passed her end-point assessment and became a Business Admin Assistant for Moonrise. Now 18 years old, Hollie holds a Level 3 qualification in business administration.

Please read on to find out what a typical Monday is like for Hollie…

A Day in the Life: My Monday Routine

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM: Settling In

I arrive at work promptly at 9 AM. The first order of business is to settle in and prepare for the day ahead. I pull out my trusty notebook and make a to-do list, prioritising tasks to ensure the most important ones get tackled first.

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM: Managing Emails

Next, I dive into my email inbox. On average we receive (estimate) emails per day. I go through each email, flagging those that contain service user notes. If you’re wondering, the service user notes are just a detailed summary of what each service user did that day, including incidents, concerns, fluid and diet intake, appointments, etc. Once organised, I send these notes to the social workers, keeping them updated and ensuring smooth communication.11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Office Meeting

Our team meeting kicks off at 11 AM. We gather in the main office, where each department provides updates on their progress, completed and pending tasks, upcoming schedules, and any concerns. It’s a collaborative session where everyone participates, ensuring we’re all on the same page.

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Break Time

Time to recharge! I take a well-deserved break, stepping away from the desk to relax and refuel for the afternoon.

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Email Cleanup

Post-break, it’s back to the inbox. I spend this half-hour deleting spam, flagging emails that need attention, marking those that have been replied to, and clearing out the deleted items folder to free up storage space.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Property Search

This hour is dedicated to searching for properties the company can purchase for placements or supportive living. I focus on finding detached bungalows or three-bedroom houses within our budget. If I find suitable options, I arrange viewing appointments for Jess or John, who will make the final decision.

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Preparing for Meetings

Jess has regular meetings with social workers to discuss our care for service users. To assist her, I prepare detailed summaries of each user’s current status, including whereabouts, well-being, diet, fluid intake, medication log, and any incidents. This preparation ensures Jess can provide comprehensive updates and answer any questions effectively.

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Weekly Summaries

Many service user professionals work part-time and prefer weekly summaries over daily notes. I spend this time preparing these summaries, compiling all crucial information from the daily notes. These summaries are set aside to be typed and sent on Tuesday, ready for the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meeting on Wednesday.

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Wrapping Up

As the day winds down, I review the tasks completed, checking them off my to-do list. Any unfinished tasks are moved to the next day’s list, and prioritised as needed. This final half-hour ensures I am organized and ready for the next day’s challenges.

And that’s a wrap on my Monday! Each day brings its own set of tasks and challenges, but with a structured routine, I manage to stay on top of everything.